Sunday, December 28, 2014

uis Miguel Araya (Trumpet) born in Alajuela, Costa Rica, has played a
wide range of musical styles, ranging from classical to popular and
Latin music. He has studied music extensively both in Costa Rica and in
the United States, holding a Bachelor of Music degree from the National
Institute of Music (Costa Rica), a Master of Music degree from Loyola
University in New Orleans and a Doctorate in Music from Arizona State
University. Luis has been a member of the Costa Rica National Symphony
Orchestra since 1997. He is also on the faculty of the University of
Costa Rica. Other orchestral experiences include the Venezuela Symphony
Orchestra, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and the Louisiana Philharmonic
Orchestra. Other festivals attended by Araya are the Rafael Mendez Brass
Institute (Denver, CO), and a Solo recital at the International Trumpet
Guild Conference 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. http://aboutdallasbrass.com

MICHAEL LEVINE (director, trombone) is originally from St. Louis Park,
Minnesota. He first attended the University of Minnesota and then The
Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor of Music Degree. For
three years he held the position of Assistant Principal Trombone in the
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Michael founded the Dallas Brass in 1983,
and he serves as the ensemble’s trombonist, Master of Ceremonies and
Artistic Director. As an arranger, he has made significant contributions
to the Dallas Brass library. Michael has invented a device called the
WindMaster, to help wind players develop their breathing technique. More
recently, he has created the Harmony Bridge Project which is designed
to connect band and other music students with seniors in nursing homes
around the country. Michael’s favorite non-musical activity is snow
skiing. He has duel residency in Dallas, TX and Minneapolis, MN. http://aboutdallasbrass.com